Fubara Reacts As Another Explosion Hits Gas Facility in Rivers: “For the Avoidance of Doubt”

• Suspended Rivers governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any links to militant groups, dismissing allegations of involvement in recent oil facility explosions
• In recent weeks, a series of gas explosions have rocked Rivers state, leading to President Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency and suspension of Fubara
• Fubara, in a statement on Monday, warned against attempts to incite violence or economic sabotage in his name, urging security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Rivers state, Port Harcourt - The suspended governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied any links to militant groups.

In a statement issued on Monday, March 24, by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Fubara warned against attempts to incite violence or economic sabotage in his name.

Explosions in Rivers state

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Legit.ng reported that a gas explosion occurred at the Soku oil facility in the Akuku Toru local government area of River state.

This happened barely a week after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana local government area of the state, sparking concerns among residents and authorities.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the explosion in a statement issued on Sunday, March 23, 2025, 2025.

The incident is the third oil facility explosion in Rivers state within a week.

It was gathered that the first explosion occurred in the Ogoni area of the oil-rich state while the second explosion occurred in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni local government area.

However, President Bola Tinubu referred to the second explosion when he declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers state and suspended Governor Sim Fubara and others.

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Reacting to trending videos alleging explosions at oil and gas installations in the state, the embattled governor described them as “fake” and “malicious.”

He urged security agencies to investigate the sources of the videos and take action against those responsible, The Punch reported.

The statement read:

“Already, the communities where these incidents are alleged to have occurred have reacted, dismissing any claims of explosions on oil and gas facilities in their domains, and reassuring that all critical government assets within their areas are safe, secure and efficiently functioning.”

Fubara reacts as facility explodes in Rivers

Fubara emphasised that he has no affiliation with any militant group and would not encourage any criminal activity that could threaten peace or economic stability.

The statement added:

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association.

“Governor Fubara vehemently warns purveyors of violence and economic sabotage to steer clear of the state and avoid any attempt to use his name or capitalise on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the state.”

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Rivers emergency rule: Military on high alert, Tinubu’s minister issues warning

NNPC reacts to reported explosion in Port Harcourt Refinery

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that NNPC limited clarified the reported explosion at Port Harcourt Refinery following a fire incident.

The national oil company described the incident as just a routine flare event with no risk to staff.

The fears of an explosion at the refinery come hours after pipeline explosions and also a declared state of emergency.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng